blog 8

http://changethis.com/

Brainwashed is simply a rant on the conformity of the world.  As many things before, it presents “layers” that, when conquered, will lead to success.  Seth Godin poses the thought that we are all blessed with lizard brainstems, which, true or not, posses us to hang our heads in defeat quite easily.  They advise us to fail when given the chance.  This is coincidently another layer… fail.  Failing not only encourages risks, it also tares down fear of failing.  Apparently failing causes art.  Which should be shipped.  Shipping is the key to success over competitors.   Being accessible and having product is a huge step past your lizard brain.

These blogs are roughly what you make of them.  There is no denying that full participation in these blogs demanded one to inadvertently apply the concepts we have learned in class.  There is no denying that nothing but experience and comfort with the subjects at hand can come from these assignments.  While the intentions of these assignments are good, the broad nature of the material detracts from intimacy with the projects.  Seth Godin is not necessarily lying with his layers.  They just aren’t a guarantee.   It’s ironic that the message he is trying to spread uses all the same mediums as those who “brainwash”.  His message is very ant conformist, yet it intends to persuade.  As largely ironic as it is, much like the blogs, if a full commitment is made, the outcome will be largely good.  Technically the experience gained from these blogs is a good thing, however a more engaging, and focused medium would have been better. Strangely enough, I feel that the creative process works well when approached from many angles.  Material created from the Godin approach will be raw and new.  It may be highly praised but not highly marketable.  If you follow a rigid creative process, and walk proven paths with proven formulas again, you may have a highly valuable product.  Chances are it wont be new, but art will be created nonetheless.  

blog 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=dPNPQoIuRxw

The theme of the whole movie Johnson Family Reunion, as implied in the title, is caring about family.  Without a doubt, while humor may skew slightly mature at times, there is strong emphasis on the power of a respectable, devout family.  From start to finish, the scene goes from father son bonding, to sacrificing for family, to defusing tension, and finally cleaning up for “mom”.  The main binding force in the family, the father, is flung briefly through all antagonistic characteristics of his family.  Despite the flaws he manages to maintain his family, which he ultimately only cares about.  While this scene shows the theme as only slightly didactic, even possibly more passive, the movie is largely didactic.   

Like much of the movie, the scene has very minimal visual themes.  The emphasis is on unity as would be suggested by the visuals.  Most of the shots contain lines that show obvious affinity.  Rhythm and movement are easily distinguishable, and their intent is obvious.  Since most of the shots consist of close ups and medium shots, there is little shown on screen.  This is intended, as there is nothing to distract from the primary movement on screen. 

         Throughout the shots the only actual lines on the screen are the horizontal and vertical lines of the house and yard.  While humans are mostly curved lines, the clothes of the mom and dad were strictly linear.  These align nicely with the minimal background lines, pushing the feeling of unity.  The only virtual lines on screen are the actors addressing each other.  Again emphasizing importance on family.  The daughter, while in the family, is being portrayed antagonistically.  Her lines are very curved, in stark contrast to the rest of the scene.  Both her clothes and motion is in opposition of that already established.

         With motion in the scene very rigid, the daughter’s speed and quality is quickly noticeable.   She is constantly moving in very curved, rhythmic patterns.  Much of her actions feel wrong and out of place, as is intended.  Her speed is much faster than her parents, which also shows youth.  Tertiary movements only show emphasis on the Johnsons.  At no point does camera movement or cutting imply importance on anything outside of their vacation and being together.   Space is kept minimal as well as to not detract attention.